游錫堃院長今(9)日晚間應邀出席「亞洲自由民主聯盟」假台北市格萊天漾大飯店舉辦之30週年慶祝晚會，與會貴賓包含「亞洲自由民主聯盟」龐吉里南主席、克蘭派布創始秘書長、總統府姚嘉文資政伉儷、民主進步黨許立明秘書長、立法院范雲委員及來自各國政界人士計逾150人共襄盛舉。
President of the Legislative Yuan YOU Si-kun was invited to attend the 30th anniversary of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) held at the Great Skyview Hotel in Taipei on the evening of September 9. Dignitaries in attendance included Chair of the CALD Francis Kiko Pangilinan, Founding Secretary-General Ong-art Klampaiboon, Senior advisor to the President of the R.O.C. Mr. and Mrs. Yao Chia-wen, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party Hsu Li-ming, legislator Fan Yun and over 150 political figures from various countries.
游院長致詞時首先代表立法院歡迎「亞洲自由民主聯盟」各政黨成員、各國政要及「弗里德里希諾曼自由基金會」成員，不辭辛勞遠道來到台灣，共同為深化國際自由民主而努力。
In his address, President YOU extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Legislative Yuan to the members of CALD, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and dignitaries from around the world. He expressed gratitude for their participation in CALD assembly meeting and dedication to promoting international freedom and democracy.
游院長提到，「亞洲自由民主聯盟」成立於1993年，該年正是台灣的民主元年。民主政治即議會政治，1993年2月1日是台灣民主國會正式誕生並行使職權的日子，此後台灣國會徹底落實定期改選，至今已30年。在台灣民主國會屆滿30週年的今日，一同慶祝「亞洲自由民主聯盟」成立30週年，具有特別的意義。
President YOU mentioned that CALD was established in 1993, coinciding with Taiwan's inaugural year of parliamentary democracy. Democratic politics means parliamentary politics, and February 1, 1993 was the day when Taiwan's democratic parliament was officially inaugurated and began exercising its functions. As Taiwan also celebrates the 30th anniversary of its democratic parliament this year, this occasion holds special significance.
游院長並表示，「亞洲自由民主聯盟」不僅長期關注台灣選舉及民主政治發展，對於國際上危害人權及自由民主等事件，更勇於仗義執言；例如2020年中國通過「港版國安法」，「亞洲自由民主聯盟」第一時間即出聲譴責。今年初我國總統蔡英文過境美國，與美國眾議院麥卡錫議長見面，中國竟妄自宣布對「亞洲自由民主聯盟」及其重要成員進行制裁。對於「亞洲自由民主聯盟」不懼強權脅迫，經常在國際為台灣發聲的義舉，他要代表台灣國會表達由衷的敬意與謝意。
President YOU emphasized that CALD has not only been consistently monitoring Taiwan's elections and democratic development, but has been vocal in condemning international events that jeopardize human rights, democracy and freedoms. Notably, it swiftly denounced China's adoption of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" in 2020. At the beginning of this year, President Tsai Ing-wen transited through the United States, meeting with Speaker McCarthy of the U.S. House of Representatives. Surprisingly, China unilaterally announced sanctions against the CALD and its key members. President YOU expressed sincere admiration to CALD for its courageous stance and continuous advocacy for Taiwan on the international stage.
游院長續表示，中國崛起後不僅「對內壓迫、對外擴張」，除了沒收香港「一國兩制」、違反對美承諾把南海軍事化、天天機艦霸凌台灣，日前更無視於周邊國家包含菲律賓、印度、馬來西亞及我國的抗議，將其周邊與鄰國有爭議的領土均納入中國「2023年版標準地圖」。面對中共蓄意破壞現狀，升高印太地區的緊張，危害國際和平穩定，更凸顯自由民主國家彼此團結、合作的重要性。
President YOU continued to address the challenges posed by China's rise, noting its expanding sphere of influence abroad and relentlessly suppressing dissidents at home. He highlighted recent incidents, including the demise of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems”, the militarization of the South China Sea, enhanced military intimidation against Taiwan, and the inclusion of disputed territories with neighboring countries on China's "2023 edition of the standard map," ignoring protests from countries concerned, including the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Taiwan. President YOU underscored the importance of solidarity and collaboration among democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region in response to the destabilizing acts of the Chinese Communist Party, which has unilaterally changed the status quo resulting in rising regional tensions and posing great danger to international peace and stability.
游院長最後強調，台灣是一個主權獨立的國家，一向崇尚自由民主、尊重多元，未來將持續與理念相近的民主盟友們相互支持、密切合作，共同維護自由、民主、人權等普世價值，並促進國際的和平穩定與繁榮發展；並期待未來與全球各民主政黨有更多的合作與交流，也祝福「亞洲自由民主聯盟」30週年慶祝活動圓滿成功。
President YOU concluded his remarks by emphasizing Taiwan is an independent sovereign state, upholding freedom, democracy and respect for pluralism. He pledged to continue supporting and collaborating with like-minded democratic allies to safeguard universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights, fostering international peace, stability, and prosperity. President YOU expressed hopes for increased cooperation and exchanges with democratic parties worldwide and wished the 30th anniversary celebration of CALD a big success.
游院長最後與現場貴賓共同觀看「亞洲自由民主聯盟」30週年紀念短片，並上台切下晚會祝賀蛋糕，氣氛熱絡溫馨友好。
President YOU, alongside all distinguished guests, then watched a commemorative video marking the 30th anniversary of CALD and jointly participated in the cake-cutting ceremony in a warm and friendly vibe.
